It's tax time. And that means millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans will be painfully reminded that they're unequal under federal law.

Forced to check that "single" box again, even if they're newlyweds; forced to pay hundreds in taxes on healthcare for their spouse; forced to remember that a lifetime of social security payments will never pass on to their loved ones.

Too few people realize the basic inequality that their LGBT friends, coworkers and neighbors face. Crowds of last-minute filers (and TV cameras) will flock to your local post office in ft. lauderdale  on April 15 - can you be there to help educate them?

Gather some friends at your local U.S. Post office on April 15 to raise awareness about the unfair cost of being gay under federal law, or join an existing event.

Federal law treats LGBT couples as strangers, denying them 1,138 federal benefits and protections enjoyed by married couples. Even if they've married or legally partnered in their state, the "Defense of Marriage Act" denies them every single federal benefit given to married couples.

The result? Same-sex couples are taxed about $1000 on their family health insurance-a tax that straight married couples don't have to pay. And even though LGBT Americans pay into Social Security just like everyone else, Social Security does not provide spousal benefits to lesbian and gay couples. Call it the cost of being gay-the cost of being considered strangers under law no matter how committed a family is.

To build momentum for equality and a repeal ofthe draconian "Defense of Marriage Act," we need to raise awareness about this unfair burden.

So we're taking our message to Post Offices nationwide, on the day when the TV crews will be there shooting footage for their Tax Day segments - and we need you to help!

Join a scheduled event or start one of your own. Don't worry - we'll make it easy! We have all the materials and instructions you'll need in one simple kit. You can post your own event and publicize it to members of HRC, Join the Impact, and Marriage Equality USA, who are jointly organizing this effort.

All you have to do is post your time and place, print out some flyers, and head down to your local post office April 15 to talk to people in line and any members of the media who show up.

Sign up to host an event at your local Post Office - and see a complete list of all the currently scheduled events if you want to attend one!

The most powerful tool for change that we have is our stories and those of our families and friends. Please join us on April 15 to share yours and take the next steps toward full equality.

GO TO:http://www.taxday2009.com/